Russia spreads fake that 173 Ukrainians returned from captivity on Jan. 3, not 230

Russian Telegram channels are spreading a fake that 173 Ukrainians returned from Russian captivity on January 3, not 230, as reported by the Ukrainian side

This was reported by the Centre for Countering Disinformation.

Russia is promoting the fake that Moscow offered a "300 for 300 exchange", but Kyiv allegedly refused.

"In fact, the information spread by the Russian enemy is an outright lie. According to reports from the Ombudsman, the Security Service of Ukraine, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War and the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, 230 Ukrainian heroes have been returned home," the statement said.

Experts from the Centre for Countering Disinformation emphasize that the Russians' goal is to discredit the Ukrainian government and to "create the illusion that the Ukrainian authorities do not care about their citizens who are in captivity". 

• On January 5, Russian propaganda promoted a fake video alleging that a soldier with the Down syndrome was fighting for Ukraine
• On January 9, it was reported that Russia was spreading a fake that the Ukrainian delegation attending the World Economic Forum in Davos would "beg" for new military loans from global businesses in exchange for state-owned land and assets.
• On January 10, Russian Telegram channels started spreading fake information that the Kyiv authorities were allegedly closing all exits from the city to begin "mass conscription of all men".